Bing’s still not over Chase yet. He’s getting there, but he still misses him. He misses his family.
He’s not gonna completely turn you down, but he’s not gonna accept either.
“Sup friendo! You’re finally here!” Bing smiled brightly as you came closer, waving. He’d been waiting here for a while, after he had gotten your letter, the envelope still tucked into his pocket. Man, he didn’t know people still wrote letters!
You smiled sheepishly, waving back as you stepped closer, standing in front of him. “So uh... what’s up ? You said you needed me for something ?” He asked, pushing up his glasses.
It was difficult to put into words. You’d been sort of skipping around doing this for a long time, despite how much you liked him. And you figured he’d never really confess even if he did have feelings for you either. So this was your chance. It was now or never.
“I like you” you had expected confusion, but he just smiled. “I like you too! Y’know, it’s pretty fun being around you. You volunteer a lot at the orphanage and all that. Did you... think I didn’t like you ?” Now he looked confused, and it only deepened more as your expression turned distraught.
You shook your head. “No- I, I like you. I... um...” You fidgeted nervously. “Romantically” upon clarification, Bing seemed to understand, giving you a very awkward nod. “Ah”
“Well- I... I’m uh... flattered but...” Bings expression seemed difficult, shifting on his feet. His mind travelled to Chase. To home, to where his family waited. And his mind wandered to a time where he might disappear forever again.
He smiled, sadly, and you felt your heart crumble. “Sorry, buddy, I uh... I don’t really see you that way” he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, stepping back as your heart deflated.
“Oh” you muttered, looking down, nodding humbly. There wasn’t much he could do or say to make the situation better.
“I’ll um... see you back at the orphanage though ?”
You glanced back up, small tears gathering at your eyes. Even if your heart broke, the small glimmer of his bright smile drew a small, shaky version of your own. “Sure...”